9 Latinos Make Time's List of 'Most Influential People in The World'

Time Magazine recently unraveled their coveted 100 Most Influential Peoplein the World list featuring seven Latinos who inspire, motivate, and shine like none other. Take a look at who made the cut and let us know who your favorite it!

The part-Mexican comedian didn’t make the cut for just being a funny guy. Louis CK, who produces, writes, and edits his hit show, Louie, is simply brilliant. Time Magazine describes the 44-year-old as the new, “Steven Spielberg without the beard and with humor.” He knows what he wants and what works for his audience. A gift we already knew he had.

Marco Rubio

The bilingual Senator may not be loved by all, but there’s no doubt that the Cuban American politician proves the influential power that second generation Latinos have in this country. The 40-year-old may be Mitt Romney’s pick for Vice President and could be the key to landing him the Latino vote. As the Time article states, “Watching him operate in D.C. is refreshing as he continually seeks common ground with Democrats on issues like job growth and immigration without violating principle.” No matter which political side you stand on, the 40-year-old is making history.

José Andrés

The Spanish chef isn’t just known for his successful restaurants and antojitos. The 42-year-old is a culinary genius and businessman turned humanitarian. Besides teaching at Harvard, the father-of-three is known for helping victims of Haiti’s massive earthquake and raising money for the D.C. non-profit, Central Kitchen, which provides job training for the homeless. As the Time piece states, “No one kitchen — or 10 — can contain him. He is advocate, promoter, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and artist.”

Dulce Matuz

The 27-year-old's inspiring motto is "We are Americans, and Americans don't give up." As the president of the Arizona Dream Act Coalition, Matuz represents the resilience of countless of undocumented students living in the U.S. and fighting for citizenship. The inspiring Latina graduated with an electrical-engineering degree and continues to fight for immigration rights in her community. “Dulce takes on powerful opponents with grace and conviction,” states Time.

Eike Batista

Known as one of Brazil's richest men, Batista is greatly responsible for the country's impressive economic growth in the last couple of years. The oil tycoon strongly pushed for the 2016 Olympics to be held in the capital Rio de Janeiro. The 55-year-old also gives back children’s hospitals and non-profit organizations that provide sports activities in the lower-income favelas. According to Time, Batista is helping Brazil “shape their renaissance.”

Lionel Messi

The soccer player from Barcelona made the most influential cut for his swift moves on the field and humble spirit. Known for scoring five goals in one championship game, the 24-year-old may very well be recognized as one of the greatest soccer players out there. And we can thank his passion for the game. As Time explains, “Clearly he plays because he loves it, and it shows every time he takes the field.”

Juan Manuel Santos

Shakira, who wrote the narrative honoring Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, has worked closely with the politician for the Barefoot and ALAS foundations, which helps provide quality education to countless of kids in their native country. The pop star states in her Time article, “In Colombia, we dream of a future of progress, prosperity and peace. By focusing on education, I believe President Santos is on the right track to make that dream a reality.”

Dilma Rousseff

In a political realm normally dominated by men, Brazil’s President Rousseff, 64, has shown that breaking norms can be a good thing. Rousseff is known for her progressive politics, including fighting for social equality and challenging the machista mentality. As the Time article mentions, “Today, with the leadership of Dilma Rousseff, we see a Brazil convinced that its national interest is absolutely linked to the interests of its neighbors.”

Maria das Gracas Silva Foster

Calling this chemical engineer one of the most powerful women in the world is an understatement. The 58-year-old is the first woman to be the head of an oil-and-gas company as CEO of Brazil's Petrobras. As the Time article explains, “Her tireless work habits earned her the nickname Caveirao, slang for the armored cars Brazilian police use to clear out slums.” Now that's a powerful Latina!

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